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Rugufu river cichlid (Orthochromis rugufuensis) — Cichlidae

Rugufu river cichlid

Orthochromis rugufuensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Rugufu river cichlid (Orthochromis rugufuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Tanzania

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Description

The Rugufu river cichlid is a riverine cichlid (Cichlidae) from the fast-flowing, rocky Malagarasi drainage in East Africa, which drains into Lake Tanganyika. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body adapted to life in current. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks and crevices and snaps at biofilm, algae and small invertebrates. It is a caring cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rugufu river cichlid?

The Rugufu river cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Rugufu river cichlid live?

The Rugufu river cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Tanzania

How big does the Rugufu river cichlid get?

The Rugufu river cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Rugufu river cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Rugufu river cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Rugufu river cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis rugufuensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Orthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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